Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

legal rights to my niece

My niece Kasi has been living in a very bad situation at home. Her mother and stepfather smoke weed and drink around her all the time. They constantly are having her watch her little brother because they are sleeping or out partying. They have even said she could stay home from school to watch him so her mother could stay in bed. They ended up in a fist fight and her mom was hitting her and dragging her by her hair. We have pictures of a bruise on her arm. Then her mother allowed her stepfather to hit her numerous times on her leg while she watched. Kasi is scared to go home and they want to come and get her. What legal rights do I have to keep her safe?

Thanks Misty


Asked on 7/05/09, 9:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: legal rights to my niece

You should (in fact, by law you must) call DCF or the police. You might also help Kasi file a free domestic violence injuction ("restraining order") by taking her to the courthouse. It wouldn't hurt to sit down with a lawyer and explain all this as well. You're doing a good thing, I think, and a lawyer can help you do it the right way.

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Answered on 7/05/09, 11:31 pm
Katy Bost Law Office of Katy Bost

Re: legal rights to my niece

1-800-96-ABUSE is the number to call to report this abuse. Please call.

If you are wishing to care for your niece and/or her younger brother if DCF deems their home to be unsafe, make those intentions clear to DCF and the Guardian ad Litem. I also recommend contacting a family law attorney to discuss. Best wishes.

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Answered on 7/06/09, 8:39 am


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